Michael T. Courtesy @academyvikingsinstagram

Academy’s football team welcomed Nelsonville-York for the Division V Region 19 semifinal game on Friday, November 14. 

The Buckeyes and the Vikings exchanged possessions throughout the entire first quarter as neither team penetrated the ball into the endzone.

In the second quarter, Nelsonville-Yoke came out strong, scoring a 20-yd passing touchdown. Academy regained possession but failed to capitalize on its plays. As a result, the Vikes remained scoreless going into halftime as the scoreboard read 0-7. 

After regrouping in the locker room during halftime, the Vikings were prepared to respond in the third quarter. On offense, Michael T. launched a 47-yd pass to Charlie P. in the endzone for a touchdown. On defense, the Viking stayed strong as they prohibited the Buckeyes from touching the endzone. This performance knotted the score at seven apiece going into the final quarter.  

Nelsonville-York started with the ball and slowly progressed it down the field. The Buckeyes could not make it into the endzone, so they kicked a field goal instead to put them in the lead 10-7. Academy earned the ball back and had the chance to tie or take the lead. Around the Buckeyes 30-yd line on third down with 16 yards to go, Michael T. took a big hit and was forced to sit out for one play. Despite coming off the bench cold, freshman, Harper O’N. threw a 12-yd pass to Charlie R. to station the Vikes closer to victory. Michael T. returned to the game and earned a first down. With little time to spare, Michael T. chucked a deep ball to Charlie P., but it was picked off by the defense. This resulted in a 7-10 loss for Academy, ending its season. 

Despite this loss, the team still captured an impressive season as they finished with an overall record of 9-3 and were undefeated champions of the Central Buckeye League, earning the 15th conference title in program history.